Outdoors for All
Outdoors for All
Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All Campaign works to expand universal access to nature for all of us.
We are committed to getting people outside because nature is a powerful healer
Getting outdoors benefits not only our mental and physical health but also the health of our society. But not everyone has access to the transformative power of the outdoors. Nature and the opportunity to play outdoors are becoming a luxury item in our society, accessible only to the privileged few. Just like our school systems are divided by class and race, so are our neighborhoods -- meaning that low-income families are significantly less likely to live near a local park. Whole generations of children in communities of color and low-income families are growing up without access to the benefits of getting outdoors.
The Every Kid Outdoors Program gives all fourth graders a free pass to national waters, lands and forests for themselves and their families. Since its implementation nine years ago, this nationwide program has helped 1,105,805 students explore nature.
75K
15K
kids getting outside each year
100 million people, including 28 million children, do not live within a 10-minute walk of a park
Even just 20 minutes spent in a local park can help kids concentrate better in school. But a 2017 report found that 74% of people of color live in a nature-deprived area. Our campaign works to expand universal access to nature for children and youth, as well as to empower veterans to continue their service in protecting the land they defend.
Victory!
Outdoor Access for the Military Community: Report Briefing
In August, the Sierra Club Military Outdoors team released a report surveying the military community’s experiences with the outdoors, including a set of recommendations aimed at improving outdoor accessibility for the veteran and military community.
What We Are Doing
Sierra Club’s Military Outdoors initiative ensures military members, veterans, and their families enjoy the beauty of nature by removing barriers preventing them from experiencing the great outdoors.
Our Nearby Nature initiative engages youth and communities to explore, enjoy, and protect parks, waters, and natural spaces in urban areas.
The Sierra Club is also proud to host the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, a national partnership of diverse organizations focused on connecting children, youth, and families with the outdoors.
Our Transit to Trails for All initiative works to ensure that public lands are in reach for everyone by increasing public transportation options that make nature more accessible.
What You Can Do
Tell Congress to pass the Every Kid Outdoors Act (H.R. 6925)!
This year, Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. DeGette introduced a bill in the House that would secure $25 million in permanent funding for the Every Kid Outdoors program and also extend the program to include 5th graders. Take action now and tell Congress to support the Every Kid Outdoors Act so that youth and their families can have the health benefits of time outside.
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